Author: Jayne J. Jones & Alicia M. Long             
Publisher:  Beaver’s Pond Press
Genre:  Women’s Fiction
Source: BEA

Goodreads:  When recent college graduate Allison Amundson, a small town girl from South Dakota, lands the highly sought after job of scheduler to the newly-elected and rising star of the United States Senate, Senator Anders McDermott III, she thinks she is on the fast track to success.

However, she quickly learns that crazy co-workers, a high maintenance boss, an over-the-top family and an unexpected Presidential bid make Capitol Hill seem even more dysfunctional than portrayed on TV. In fact, it is Capitol Hell.

The second Allison sets foot in the prestigious Senate Russell Building, things begin to go awry. Allison soon realizes her co-workers consist of a Chief of Staff who has little to no control over the antics in the office, a Press Secretary who is not only pompous, but who is constantly primping and preening, and worst of all the Senator himself, who cares more about his rise to fame than the people of Minnesota.

As Allison struggles to juggle a new career, her blooming love interest in Cam (a quiet but loyal Legislative Assistant), and her ever-declining bank account, she is comforted only by her co-worker Janet, a fireplug who spends the majority of her time on-line dating, trying to land a Senator of her own.

Just as Allison and Janet begin to figure out the ins and outs of Capitol Hill, their lives are turned upside down when Senator McDermott announces his bid for President of the United States. Soon, Allison and Janet find themselves at the center of one of the craziest campaigns in history, and hilarity ensues.

This off-beat, funny novel captures and shares what it is like to be a young staffer working on Capitol Hill.

Ope’s Opinion:  If you have spent any time in Washington, DC, or Capitol Hill, or interested in political insights – you will really want to read this book.  It will keep your attention from beginning to end.  It has some humor  – some so close to realistic it made me giggle.

The authors of this book obviously had insider information – it was interesting and informative as well as entertaining.  I am sure Allison’s office mates are similar to office mates everywhere – you may relate to some of them.

There were some unanswered questions left at the end.  Does that lead us to a sequel?

Rating: Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.